Hi, I'm a friend of the Harms' Family and I've set up this page to assist the family because they're too proud to ask for help.
Three years ago their 11 year old son, Matthew, was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphblastic Leukemia, or ALL for short. It's a parents worst nightmare, hearing that your child has cancer. Over the course of treatment Matthew missed 9 months of school, spent countless days in the hospital, and grew up way too fast. He's endured countless IV treatments, swallowed thousands of pills and has had over 20 spinal taps. His activities are limited and he's missed out on making lasting childhood memories because cancer robbed them from him. Matthew is still undergoing treatment.
Having one child with cancer would be devastating enough for any family, but in January of this year, nearly 3 years from the date of Matthew's diagnosis, the family's 14 year old daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma. After Leah completes four cycles of intense chemotherapy, she will likely require three weeks of radiation. She's 14, an 8th grader, and in the throws of figuring out who she is and where she belongs. Being out of school for over 6 months is extremely difficult for her as it is where she feels most comfortable - she LOVES school and the drama club.
Although mom and dad work, they've had to take off many unpaid days to take the kids for treatment, or to stay home with them when they're not feeling well. The kids' treatment schedules are not the same, requiring more days off, more trips to the hospital and racking up more expenses.
Did I mention that the family has another child, a 5 year old daughter, Karley. They have requested genetic testing to see if their youngest may also be a victim of this horrendous disease.
The family is constantly giving back to their community and thinking of others first despite what they are going through. They all posses such strength, love and hope among themselves and towards others.
This family is under enough stress, caring for 2 children with cancer; they shouldn't have to add the stresses of juggling paying for medical expenses and other bills if help can be obtained from family, friends and even strangers.
Thank you for your support!
Catherine
Three years ago their 11 year old son, Matthew, was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphblastic Leukemia, or ALL for short. It's a parents worst nightmare, hearing that your child has cancer. Over the course of treatment Matthew missed 9 months of school, spent countless days in the hospital, and grew up way too fast. He's endured countless IV treatments, swallowed thousands of pills and has had over 20 spinal taps. His activities are limited and he's missed out on making lasting childhood memories because cancer robbed them from him. Matthew is still undergoing treatment.
Having one child with cancer would be devastating enough for any family, but in January of this year, nearly 3 years from the date of Matthew's diagnosis, the family's 14 year old daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma. After Leah completes four cycles of intense chemotherapy, she will likely require three weeks of radiation. She's 14, an 8th grader, and in the throws of figuring out who she is and where she belongs. Being out of school for over 6 months is extremely difficult for her as it is where she feels most comfortable - she LOVES school and the drama club.
Although mom and dad work, they've had to take off many unpaid days to take the kids for treatment, or to stay home with them when they're not feeling well. The kids' treatment schedules are not the same, requiring more days off, more trips to the hospital and racking up more expenses.
Did I mention that the family has another child, a 5 year old daughter, Karley. They have requested genetic testing to see if their youngest may also be a victim of this horrendous disease.
The family is constantly giving back to their community and thinking of others first despite what they are going through. They all posses such strength, love and hope among themselves and towards others.
This family is under enough stress, caring for 2 children with cancer; they shouldn't have to add the stresses of juggling paying for medical expenses and other bills if help can be obtained from family, friends and even strangers.
Thank you for your support!
Catherine
Organizer
Rebekah Harms
Organizer
Whitehouse Station, NJ